HS2 will destroy jobs and force businesses to close

Battle lines are being drawn for a war on the ‘Nimbys’ of Middle England over the £34billion high-speed rail line.

The detailed blueprint for the section north of Birmingham is being published today, with David Cameron saying the scheme is vital for economic growth.

But he and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin face a bitter confrontation with those – including Conservative critics – who say it is an expensive ‘white elephant’ that will blight homes in Tory heartlands.

Dr Richard Wellings, head of transport at the right-of-centre Institute of Economic Affairs, noted: ‘The Government is deluded if it thinks HS2 will regenerate the North.

The £34billion-plus bill – over £1,000 per household – will destroy jobs and force businesses to close across the UK.’